Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, Lilian Aber, has defended the upcoming public celebration of Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s birthday, saying the event reflects a deliberate effort to support communities rather than a private celebration.
Speaking on Next Radio on Saturday, Aber said birthdays can be marked in different ways, adding that the CDF has chosen a public and charitable approach this year.
“Birthdays are actually celebrated through whichever way you choose to but this time the general has decided to give back to the community,” Aber said.
The remarks come as preparations intensify for the Gen MK Birthday Run, set to take place at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
The event is expected to draw participants from different parts of the country, including government officials, members of the security forces and civilians.
Organisers say the run will combine physical fitness activities with fundraising efforts aimed at supporting selected community programmes and vulnerable groups.
Aber also expressed personal admiration for General Muhoozi, linking her support to what she described as his contribution to the country.
“I do have a big reason to celebrate Gen Muhoozi because of the things he has done for this country,” she said.
The annual birthday run has grown into one of the more visible public events associated with the CDF, attracting wide participation and attention.
It has also been linked to mobilisation efforts by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a group associated with Muhoozi’s support base.
This year’s edition is expected to begin early in the morning, with activities centred at Kololo. Organisers have positioned the event as both a celebration and a platform for charity fundraising.
The public nature of the celebration continues to generate debate, particularly around the intersection of military leadership, public events and political visibility.
However, government officials maintain that the focus remains on community impact and support for social programmes.